A Workforce-Informed Competency Framework Defines 30 Core Abilities of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging Specialists

Veterinary diagnostic imaging residency training lacks a workforce-informed competency framework defining the core abilities required for specialty-level practice. This study developed and content-validated VIEW (Veterinary Imaging Education and Workforce), a competency framework for diagnostic imaging specialists. A modified Delphi design spanned three phases from January 2025 through February 2026. Phase 1 used a seven-member focus group comprising six board-certified diagnostic imaging specialists and one board-certified emergency and critical care specialist to generate initial competencies through structured discussion and anonymous rating rounds. Competencies meeting an a priori consensus threshold (≥0.70) advanced to Phase 2, involving a survey of ACVR and ECVDI board-certified specialists and diagnostic imaging residents. Survey respondents rated the importance and clarity of competencies and provided feedback. Phase 3 involved a structured focus group review of integrated survey findings to finalize the framework. Phase 1 identified 58 competencies, of which 52 advanced to Phase 2. Eighty respondents completed the Phase 2 survey, with 36 of 52 competencies (69.2%) meeting the consensus threshold. Qualitative analysis identified 356 competency-specific comments, 20 additional competency suggestions, and 24 general comments. Survey feedback refined the framework through consolidation, restructuring, and one addition, resulting in 30 core competencies organized into six domains with 14 illustrative subcompetencies. VIEW competencies were mapped to the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) Competency-Based Veterinary Education (CBVE) frameworks, demonstrating structural alignment with established health professions competency frameworks. VIEW provides the first workforce-informed competency framework for veterinary diagnostic imaging, supporting competency-based curriculum design and assessment.